Children Write Poetry for Abe's Birthday

[FEB. 14, 2000]  On Saturday, Feb. 12, Lincoln celebrated the man who gave the city its name. Activities for Lincoln’s 191^st Birthday began at 9:30 a.m. at the Logan County Courthouse in downtown Lincoln. Cake and ice cream were served and pennies were passed out by Lincoln’s own "Abe," Charlie Ott.

Paul Gleason, a noted Logan County historian, spoke on Lincoln's boyhood. Other highlights included a welcome by Mayor Joan Ritter, the traditional laying of the wreath by the local boy and girl scout troups. This was followed by a 21-gun salute and taps from the Interveteran's Council of Lincoln.

For the first time a poetry contest was open to first through eighth graders. Area winners include, David Carter, age 6; Elizabeth Carter, age 10; Timothy Carter, age 8; Rebekah Crider, age 9½; Hannah Michalsen, age 12; and Christian Sandel, age 8. The Lincoln Public Library donated books to each author. Winning entries are listed below.

Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln was a very great man.

I love Abraham Lincoln.

He freed the slaves.

He was a very nice man.

He was a christian.

Timothy Carter
Age 8

Abraham Lincoln was

Born in Kentucky

Moved from place to place

read by the firelight

played some jokes

cut some logs

studied a little

became a lawyer

our 16^th president

said slavery was wrong

wrote the Emancipation of Proclomation

and the Gettysburg Address

was assassinated

even through he’s gone his words still

live on I’m your #1 fan

Happy Birthday!, Abe Lincoln

Hannah Michalsen
Age 12

Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln owned a store.

He definitely was not a bore

He told stories whenever he could,

If he could he definitely would.

Abraham Lincoln loved to read,

And of books he was in great need.

Abraham Lincoln was very clever,

He did not cheat, not ever.

Many people liked him a lot,

But some people did not,

One day he was shot.

I think that Abraham Lincoln is a very good man.

Elizabeth Marie Carter
Age 10

If I Knew

If I Knew abraham Lincoln,

I would probably like him.

He was a very good presidnt.

He loved God because he read the Bible

He had a very good home

He had very good friends

David Carter
Age 6

Abraham Lincoln

My favorite President is Abraham Lincoln.

I Like him because he freed the slaves.

His Face is on every American penny.

------

Abraham is a name from the Old Testament.

Abraham Lincoln Loved to read the Bible.

Abraham Lincoln was a Christian.

------

Back then Lincoln lived in Kentuky.

He lived in a house made out of logs.

My favorite President is Abraham Lincoln.

Rebekah Renae Crider

Age 9½

Big and Tall

Abraham was big and tall,

he had a very strong hand,

he could strike a log with a mall,

better than any man.

He had a hat big and tall,

and his boots were big and black.

he kept all his letters in his hat,

so he’d know where they were at.

Christian Sandel
Age 8